Species Assessment Groups (SAG) were assembled to recommend a legal classification for each species considered for NR 40. The recommendation for yellow floating heart was based upon this literature review developed by the department.

Identification

Leaves: Heart-shaped and 3-10 cm across; alternately arranged on the stems and oppositely arranged on the flower stalks; leaves float on the water surface, have slightly wavy margins, and frequently have purplish undersides.

Flowers: 2-5 bright yellow flowers arise from erect flower stalks; 3-4 cm in diameter; 5 petals arranged like the spokes of a wheel, each with a distinctive fringe along the edges.

Fruits & seeds: Fruit is a long beaked capsule (to 2.5 cm) that splits on one side. One fruit is produced from each flower, and contains few to many smooth, shiny seeds with wing-like margins.

Similar species: Spatterdocks (Nuphar spp.), which have much larger leaves, and cup-like flowers without fringed petals. Water shield (Brasenia schreberi) which has small oval floating leaves often with a jelly-like covering on the undersides, and small purple flowers. Also other species of Nymphoides (N. aquatica and N. cordatum), which are be sold as ornamental plants.